Printer makes functioning tools

[Martin]

HacDC has two plastic extruding 3D printers and is in the process of
building a new one - a RepRap/Prusa-Mendel.  None are currently working.
 The RepRap/Darwin is retired and the Makerbot Cupcake is down with extruder
problems.  (Ed Nisley of Circuit Cellar magazine did a thermal analysis of
the Makerbot extruder and found that the power resistors used as heaters
were under-rated by a factor of 30 - go figure).

Thingaverse.com has a collection of stuff that has been designed and
extruded with this type of printer.  The tool chain can be as simple as
Google Sketchup with an add-in to export .STL files.

HacDC is free and open to the public when members are present, though 24/7
membership costs $50/month.  You're likely to see 3D printing or 3D printer
tweaking on Monday nights and are welcome to stop by.  Yes, it's in DC.

Martin

On Sun, Jul 10, 2011 at 5:13 PM, Chip Fetrow <tacos at fetrow.org> wrote:

> And for panels and enclosures try Front Panel Express.
>
> I used to cut panels on a drill press, then for the square and rectangular
> holes, drill a hole for a saber saw blade, and cut the panel with a saber
> saw mounted upside down under a router table.  Talk about LOUD even with
> aluminum panels.  Then I had to use dry transfer letters and seal the entire
> panel because just sealing the dry transfer looks less than professional.
>
> I always ended up with four (or more) screw heads on the front panel to
> hold the chassis in place while Front Panel Express can press fit threaded
> studs so there are no fasteners visable on the panel.
>
> Things have gotten to be much easier.
>
> --chip
>
> On Jul 10, 2011, at 6:52 AM, tacos-request at amrad.org wrote:
>
>  Message: 7
>> Date: Sat, 09 Jul 2011 20:38:49 -0500 (CDT)
>> From: Robert Stratton <bob at stratton.net>
>> To: tacos at amrad.org
>> Subject: Re: Printer makes functioning tools
>>
>>
>> If all you want to do is fab your designs, just use Shapeways online.
>> They've been around for a few years now and continually increase their
>> material options and ease-of-use.
>>
>> I think Philips originally started it, but the site/service has pretty
>> much taken off on its own.
>>
>> They started with 2 or 3 plastic choices but are now offering several
>> metals as well. The site will take CAD output in a number of standard
>> formats.
>>
>> --Bob S.
>>
>
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